Plan Your Trip

We located at 1504 Skyline Drive, just off U.S. Route 285  at the northern edge of Carlsbad, New Mexico.  The zoo is 3,200 feet atop the Ocotillo Hills overlooking the city and the Pecos River. 

  Hours

The zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. 

 The zoo is open from  9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the last entrance into zoo at 3:30 PM.

Admission Fees

• Adult (13 and older)……………$5.00
• Children (7 – 12 years)………...$3.00
• Children (6 and under)………...Free
• Group Rates (20 or more)……...$3.00 per person
• Youth Education Groups………$0.50 per person (Reservations appreciated.) 
• Friends of the Living Desert Members……Free with Membership
• AZA members from other zoos who have a reciprocal agreement with our Zoo will receive free or half price admission. Please check with your organization.

•  Good walking shoes, a hat, water, sunblock, and coming early in the day are recommended during the summer when temperatures can reach over 100 degrees. 
•  Although there are drinking fountains in several locations, it is advised that visitors carry water with them.
• We have electric scooters that can be rented for $5.00. 
• Wheelchairs and strollers are available free of charge.

• Only service animals are permitted into the Zoo. We do not have kennels. 
• Please do not leave pets in your vehicle, especially when it is hot.
• Smoking is not permitted in the zoo.

Snack and drink vending machines are located in the visitors’ center. Zoo visitors may use the picnic tables located near the visitors’ center. School groups that are planning to eat at the zoo should reserve the tables beforehand. Restaurants are within a few miles of the Zoo.